Idaho Volunteer Firefighter Enters Plea for Starting Fire

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A 19-year-old volunteer firefighter has pleaded guilty to an arson charge for setting a fire last summer that destroyed a home in southwestern Idaho, threatened more than 100 others and cost $2.3 million to fight. The Idaho Statesman reports Nathaniel Bartholomew pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree arson.

There was no plea agreement in the case. Bartholomew faces sentencing on March 14. The Karney Fire started Sept. 17 in Boise County, about five miles north of Highway 21 along Robie Creek Road and burned 440 acres over several days. Bartholomew was arrested while fighting the fire with other Clear Creek volunteer firefighters. Prosecutors say someone saw him walking away from where the blaze started.